Crackers, Don’t You Just Love Them?

Let’s face it, crackers are delicious and fun to eat. They’re terrific pedestals for cheeses and other small delicacies, they crunch like potato chips, and they’re so easy to eat, no prep, no cooking. All you have to do is open the box and they’re ready to eat.

You’re probably asking yourself, but how can I eat crackers and still lose weight? The answer is, you can!

 Here are a few guidelines to help you choose a healthy cracker to partner with your soup or sandwich.

The first thing to remember is, I don’t recommend crackers as a snack because they are not very filling and they are often paired with a salty, fatty cheese. I suggest you use them as an accompaniment to your healthy salad or soup.

Another thing, make certain the front of the box says, “100% whole grain.” The words, “Made with whole grain” is not enough. This usually means, “made with mostly refined grains.” Check the ingredient list for “whole wheat flour,” “whole rye flour,” or “brown rice flavor” not simply wheat flour or rice flour because those are refined grains.

Consider the sodium and aim for 200 mg. or less per serving.

Look at the added sugar. Wheat Thins have 4 grams of added sugar per serving; a full teaspoon worth!

If you are looking for gluten-free crackers check for more fiber. Seeds and quinoa in the ingredient list give you more fiber than just brown rice.

Don’t be fooled by veggie crackers. Crackers that are made with cauliflower plus potato, brown rice, cassava, cassava starch flour, rice flour, potato flakes, and palm oil are not vegetables.

My top choice for delicious crackers is Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers. If I feel like going gluten-free, I enjoy Mary’s Gone crackers. Triscits are delicious and always 100% whole-grain, but the serving size is small, only 6.

Feel free to enjoy a serving of crackers with your next salad, bowl of chili, or soup. Let me know your favorites in the comment box. Also, reach out if you have any questions.

Lisa